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Chan to his thoughts. In a few moments the detective arose with sudden decision and went to the telephone booth in the lobby. He got his Chief on the wire.

“You very much busy now?” he asked.

“Not especially, Charlie. I’ve got a date with Mr. and Mrs. MacMaster here at five-thirty, but that’s an hour away. Is anything doing?”

“Might be,” Chan answered. “I can not tell. But I will shortly require backing of your firm authority for little investigation at Grand Hotel. Pretty good idea if you leaped into car and rode out here at once.”

“I'll be right with you, Charlie,” the Chief promised.

Going to the house phone, Charlie called the room of Alan Jaynes. The Britisher answered in a sleepy tone. The detective informed him that he was coming up immediately to talk with him and then stepped to the hotel desk.

“Without calling room, can you ascertain if Mr. Tarneverro is in residence?” he asked.

The clerk glanced at the letter box. “Well, his key isn’t here,” he said. “I guess that means he’s in.”

“Ah, yes,” nodded Chan. “If you will be so kind, do this big favor for me. Secure Mr. Tarneverro on wire, and say that Inspector Chan passed through here in too great rush to bother himself. But add that I desire to see Mr. Tarneverro soon as can be in lobby of Young Hotel down-town. Say it is of fierce importance and he must arrive at once.”

The clerk stared. “Down-town?” he repeated.

Chan nodded. “The idea is to remove him from this hotel for a brief space of time,” he explained.

“Oh, yes,” smiled the clerk. “I see. Well, I suppose it’s all right. I'll call him.”